Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially brought in legendary retired fast bowler Lasith Malinga’s services as a consultant fast bowling coach as part of their build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka is set to co-host the tournament with India, starting from January 7.
His appointment is on a short-term basis, starting on December 15 and ending on January 25, 2026. His role will be to prepare and fine-tune Sri Lanka’s fast bowling unit ahead of the marquee tournament, which will also be held in their country. Three Sri Lankan venues will host matches for the tournament: Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium & SSC Cricket Ground and Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Why only Malinga and not any other former fast bowler for the consultant fast bowling coach role?
The decision taps into his extensive international experience and special expertise in death bowling—a crucial skill set in T20 cricket. Malinga is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in history, and Sri Lanka hopes his mentorship will sharpen the team’s bowling attack.
Malinga, who retired from all forms of international cricket in 2021, has been involved in coaching and mentoring roles in various T20 leagues and previously served as a fast-bowling consultant for Sri Lanka, bringing deep tactical insight and fast-bowling knowledge to the setup. He also worked unofficially with several bowlers over the years.
In an official release as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, the board confirmed that Malinga will work closely with Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers, particularly focusing on death-overs execution for the T20 WC preparation.
“Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga’s vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.”
Look into Sri Lanka’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as the new captain of Sri Lanka for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They are placed in Group B alongside former champion Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Shanka’s led team will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Ahead of the tournament, they will face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, beginning on January 7.
Sri Lanka 25-member preliminary squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Traveen Mathew
